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Digoxin without effect on renin release in healthy subjects
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, and Toxicology
|March 1, 1980
Summary
Chronic digitalization, or steady-state digitalis therapy, does not affect renin release. Acute digoxin administration may cause a temporary decrease in plasma renin activity (PRA) due to vasoconstriction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- The impact of chronic digitalis therapy on plasma renin activity (PRA) is not well understood.
- Previous studies suggest acute intravenous digoxin can decrease PRA, possibly due to peripheral vasoconstriction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of chronic digitalization on renin release in healthy volunteers.
- To determine if steady-state digitalis therapy influences basal or exercise-stimulated PRA.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy volunteers received acute oral digoxin (0.75 mg) or placebo, with PRA measured.
- Eight healthy volunteers underwent digitalization over four days (2.5 mg total dose).
- Basal and exercise-stimulated PRA were measured before and after digitalization (mean serum digoxin 2.0 ± 0.2 ng/ml).
Main Results:
- Acute oral digoxin (0.75 mg) caused a slight decrease in PRA (p<0.05) compared to placebo.
- No significant difference in basal or exercise-stimulated PRA was observed after four days of digitalization.
- Steady-state digitalis therapy did not alter renin release.
Conclusions:
- Chronic digitalis therapy does not interfere with renin release.
- Transient decreases in PRA following acute intravenous digitalis are likely due to peripheral vasoconstriction.